Mech Showcase: Part Four

　　Welcome to the final installment of our four-part MechWarrior 4: Vengeance mech showcase. Every Friday for the last three weeks we've brought you detailed information on five of the powerful mechs you'll do battle with and against in Microsoft's highly anticipated MechWarrior 4. In addition, we've also included numerous brand-new screenshots of each of the mechs featured in our weekly showcases. Today we bring this feature to a close with a look at the final five war machines in the game, including some longtime favorites of MechWarrior fans, like the Shadow Cat, the Vulture, and the Thor. And remember, if you haven't done so already, be sure to take a look at our 2628760detailed preview of the game to find out information about MechWarrior 4's gameplay, plot, graphics, and other aspects not covered in these weekly updates. Without further ado, we present the last mechs:

Shadow Cat

　　Shadow Cat Developed by the Nova Cat forces as a command vehicle, this 45-ton mech has become a vanguard of several clan armies, including the Clan Nova Cat Stars and the Smoke Jaguars. Recent improvements to its sensor array have made it a worthy opponent of the Wolf Clan's elite mech, the Fenris.

　　Tech level: Clan OmniMech

　　Armor: Ferro-fibrous

　　Max tonnage: 45

　　Jump-jet capable: Yes

　　Top speed: 102kph

　　Internal structure type: Endo steel

Thanatos

　　Thanatos The Thanatos is one of the seven mechs that are brand-new to the Battletech universe, and of the two whose name was chosen by GameSpot readers in our Name That Mech contest. Despite its heavy weight and massive size, this giant mech is actually jump-jet capable, which gives it a supreme advantage over enemy mechs of similar size. The Thanatos is primarily a close-range mech, and it boasts weapons designed to overheat enemy units. Specifically, its quartet of flamers can cause heat-management problems for the most efficient of enemy pilots. And with its jump-jet capability, it can rain fire from above - literally - on anything caught unaware.

　　Tech level: Inner Sphere

　　Armor: Ferro-fibrous

　　Max tonnage: 75

　　Jump-jet capable: Yes

　　Top speed: 73kph

　　Internal structure type: Endo steel

Thor

　　Thor Even though it stands a good meter taller than any other mech, the Thor's height can be deceiving, since it's actually quite mobile, and it even features a pair of jump jets. Built with the latest in heat-management technology, the Thor can fire all its weapons simultaneously and repeatedly with little worry about heat buildup. And while its standard configuration lacks any lasers whatsoever, its other heavy weapons coupled with its maneuverability make the Thor an excellent general-purpose mech.

　　Tech level: Clan OmniMech

　　Armor: Ferro-fibrous

　　Max tonnage: 70

　　Jump-jet capable: Yes

　　Top speed: 85kph

　　Internal structure type: Normal

Uziel

　　Uziel Another brand-new Battletech mech, the Uziel will undoubtedly prove to be one of the most fearsome combatants on the battlefield. The Uziel bristles with the latest technology, including light-amplification gear, which lets it identify and eliminate enemy units in no time. Because of its light weight and its jump jets, this mech can attain a top speed of 95kph, making it an ideal choice for scouting and reconnaissance.

　　Tech level: Inner Sphere

　　Armor: Ferro-fibrous

　　Max tonnage: 50

　　Jump-jet capable: Yes

　　Top speed: 95kph

　　Internal structure type: Endo steel

Vulture

　　Vulture Because of its stocky frame, hunched shoulders, and protruding head, it's easy to see why this mech was dubbed the Vulture. The Vulture is often used to provide long-range fire support, and like its carrion-eating namesake, it only swoops down for the kill once its enemy has been substantially weakened. Its chassis has been slightly modified for MechWarrior 4: Vengeance, as its arms are now much shorter than before.

　　Tech level: Clan OmniMech

　　Armor: Reactive

　　Max tonnage: 60

　　Jump-jet capable: No

　　Top speed: 85kph

　　Internal structure type: Normal

　　In addition to the mechs listed above and in our 913962previous showcases , the game will have another surprise mech or two for you to pilot. For now, we'll tell you that one of them is the Argus, a powerful 60-ton unit. You'll have to discover that one on your own when the game ships in a few weeks. We hope you've enjoyed these weekly updates, and while you're waiting for the game, be sure to take a look at the new batch of images we've uploaded to the screenshot gallery.